Convertibles with stiff suspension.

[CorvallisBMW]

A lot of it depends on your wheels too. On my 17s the ride quality sucks ass, even with my current Eibach sedan springs. I've only had them on for 2 days so I can't comment on bottoming out yet, but so far so good. The H&R convertible-specific Sports were too stiff for my taste. But again, everyone seems to have varying opinions. They were only half as stiff as all the GC setups I've seen listed here, yet I got my teeth rattled out with them. If you're going to run a 14 or 15 inch wheel, I'd say go GC. If you're running 16 or 17 inch, aim for something a bit softer. With a short, stiff tire sidewall you'll notice the increased spring rate much more.

My overall advice would be to go with a coilover setup, on soft springs with good chassis braces (upper strut brace, lower x-brace). The ride-height adjustability is worth it's weight in gold.

[cactusjacks1]

I installed the GC's today but haven't driven the car yet. I guess we'll see how the Off the shelf Koni's hold up.

Barry - Out of curiosity, are you running a strut tower brace, or an X brace under the front? (Darin beat me too it in his reco above while I was responding). PM me if you want to get rid of the springs you removed.

Jack

[bimmerteck]

I'm running ground controls 450/650 IIRC with THE GC Konis, with a lightweight set of 16" the ride is great, but I bolted on a set of heavy 17" wheels for a weekend a while back and it felt like crap. If your running lightweight wheels you can get away with a much softer setting on the shocks and the ride feels much improved.

[CorvallisBMW]

I'm running ground controls 450/650 IIRC with THE GC Konis, with a lightweight set of 16" the ride is great, but I bolted on a set of heavy 17" wheels for a weekend a while back and it felt like crap. If your running lightweight wheels you can get away with a much softer setting on the shocks and the ride feels much improved.

Good to know! Maybe i can find a good set of 16s this winter, my tires are shot anyway.

[VicSkimmr]

Bigger wheels = less sidewall = more dental work


It also depends on how aggressive of a drop you want. The stiffer your suspension the less chance you'll have of busting an oil pan, but if you aren't going to go low enough to endanger it then you might as well go for something softer.

[reelizmpro]

Well the car feels great! A lot more controlled and not terribly stiff but that could be due to the 15x7 euroweaves with 225/50/15 tires. I have no plans to change wheels either. I have a Sparco tower brace but that's it...for now.

[fporro]

Mariano,

Add a M3 / iX rear sway, turner sells 22 and 14.5 urethane bushings for them.

A lot of it depends on your wheels too. On my 17s the ride quality sucks ass, even with my current Eibach sedan springs. I've only had them on for 2 days so I can't comment on bottoming out yet, but so far so good. The H&R convertible-specific Sports were too stiff for my taste. But again, everyone seems to have varying opinions. They were only half as stiff as all the GC setups I've seen listed here, yet I got my teeth rattled out with them. If you're going to run a 14 or 15 inch wheel, I'd say go GC. If you're running 16 or 17 inch, aim for something a bit softer. With a short, stiff tire sidewall you'll notice the increased spring rate much more.

My overall advice would be to go with a coilover setup, on soft springs with good chassis braces (upper strut brace, lower x-brace). The ride-height adjustability is worth it's weight in gold.

That's so true, going from 17's to 16's was a great idea. It now feels like it has suspensiom LOL :)

[reelizmpro]

Mariano??? lol his car is in my sig next to mine but I'm not him. I'll tell him you said hi though. No sways for the vert. It's an M Tech so I wonder if it has the 14.5mm rear bar. hmmmm

[CorvallisBMW]

That's so true, going from 17's to 16's was a great idea. It now feels like it has suspensiom LOL :)

Crap, I'm pretty much going to HAVE to buy 16s now this winter :-?